ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Human-powered hydrofoil

When you go for a swim or ride in a boat, you're moving through the water by pushing against it with your arms or using a motor. But with a human-powered hydrofoil, people move through the water in a special kind of boat that's designed to lift above the water's surface using special wings called foils.

Think of it like a magical surfboard that flies above the waves! The foils are like little airplane wings that help lift the boat and rider out of the water, reducing the drag that slows down traditional boats.

Instead of using a motor or paddles, the rider uses their own power to pedal a special propeller that propels the hydrofoil forward. It's kind of like riding a bike, but the pedals are connected to a propeller that's in the water instead of on land.

The result is a thrilling and efficient way of moving through the water using just your own energy! Human-powered hydrofoils can reach speeds of over 20 mph, and riders can glide above the water for hundreds of yards at a time.

So if you ever see someone zipping around on a human-powered hydrofoil, it's like they're riding a magical flying surfboard that they power themselves – and they're having a ton of fun doing it!